Baking with Kids

My son Joaqui, as early as three years old, started to help me in the kitchen. We would make no-bake desserts and bake cookies and cupcakes. He likes to measure, sift and mix dry ingredients.

Baking is our bonding activity at home. It is also a tool used in preschools (usually progressive schools), as part of experiential learning, to teach kids about math - addition, fraction and measurement. It allows children to develop their fine motor skills and imagination. It is a form of art. It is one way of expressing their creativity. You can decorate your cookies and cupcakes in whatever fashion you want. With their imagination, the design of baked goods can be endless. 

To tap their energy and creativity, I let my son, niece and nephews bake. It is one way to introduce to them how to prepare food, so they will value and appreciate the hard work and time spent by people for them to have food on their table. 

Baking is a fun and bonding activity for the whole family. Plus, you get to feed them in the end. :) 

In this session, we baked Oatmeal Muffins which is a healthier choice that you can serve for breakfast or snack. I'm sharing the recipe to everyone. 

Ingredients:

2 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 cups fresh milk

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Put cupcake liners in the 12-cup muffin pan.
3. In a medium-size bowl, mix the oats and the milk. Set aside for 10 minutes. 
4. In another bowl (large size), mix together the dry ingredients, making a well in the center. Stir in the liquid ingredients and the oatmeal mixture until just combined. Batter may be lumpy. 
5. Fill the muffin cups about three-quarters full. Bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly golden. 

It makes 16 muffins. 

P.S. The baking session with kids made me think about offering baking lessons to a small group of kids or people who want to learn about baking right at their own homes. Another business opportunity!!! Happy baking!!!